Amy Joan Henderson

Amy Joan Sonntag Henderson died November 23rd in Tucson, Arizona at age 89 from complications of chronic leukemia. She was born January 7, 1935 in Seattle, Washington to Martha Barker who was from Boissevain, Manitoba Canada and Valentine Sonntag who immigrated to Seattle, Washington from Melbourne, Australia. Valentine was a professional middleweight boxer (alias The Battling Butcher) who owned and operated a butcher shop and later a Zesto ice cream franchise in the Seward Park area of Seattle. Amy graduated with honors from Franklin High in 1952. She was an accomplished swimmer and diver who won first place medals in swim meet races across cold Lake Washington. She obtained her BS in Nursing degree from the University of Washington in 1957. 

Her first nursing job was at Northern State Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, Washington where she met her future husband, Dr. William D. Henderson (Bill). They married June 21, 1958, moved to Augusta, GA, and started a family while Bill completed his Urology residency at the Medical College of Georgia. After completion of his residency in 1962, the family moved to Alexandria, LA. Amy considered Alexandria, LA her home and spent 62 years there. She took a sabbatical from her nursing career to raise her three children, but kept very busy. She was a lifelong Episcopalian and was one of the original members of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church where she participated in the Flower Guild, Choir, and the charity tamale making group. She was active in the Medical Auxiliary, gardening, baking and cooking, sewing and fiber arts, line dancing, and bridge. She loved fishing, football, and fun at the casino. She was a talented watercolorist and made unique Christmas cards every year until two years before her death. She never hesitated to get out to mow the lawn, sweep leaves off the roof, launch her bass boat on Kincaid Lake, make a big pot of turkey gumbo for a crowd, or support a friend or family member in need. Most and best of all, she was a terrific Mom! When all her children graduated from high school, she resumed her nursing career as a neonatal ICU nurse and retired from Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital at the age of 86 - too early she said because she had planned to work to age 90. 

Amy is survived by her daughter, Kaylin Henderson (spouse Mark Johnson) of Pinos Altos, NM; her son, Michael Henderson of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii and Manila, Philippines; her grand-daughter, Lilah Henderson of Lakeland, Florida; and seven nieces and nephews. Her parents, her brothers (Stanley and John), husband, youngest son (William Douglas Henderson), and nephew Larry Henderson preceded her in death. 

Her Celebration of Life service will be held in the Spring of 2025 (date to be determined) at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church where her ashes will be inurned in the columbarium. 

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church Flower Fund, 2627 Horseshoe Drive, Alexandria, LA or to Manna House, 2655 Lee Street, Alexandria, LA 71301. 

She will be missed by more than can be named. 

Condolences for the family may be sent to Kaylin Henderson at P.O. Box 178, Silver City, NM 88062.